You need somewhere to sleep tonight

In Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties, 211 is the main way into shelter. It is free, open 24 hours, and you can call, text, or search online.

• Call 2-1-1 or 866-698-6155, any time, day or night.
• Text your ZIP code to 898-211.
• Or search live openings at 211info.org.

Most shelters here are reservation-based, so you usually will not have to line up outside for a bed each night, and many are low-barrier, meaning partners, pets, and belongings are welcome. Tell 211 where you are and what you need. If you are a family with kids, or you are in your third trimester, say so, because you are prioritized.

Be ready for honesty: the system is stretched, and there may not be a bed tonight. Ask 211 what is open right now and what to do in the meantime, and work the steps below at the same time.

If you are leaving abuse, violence, or someone who is hurting you, do not wait in the general shelter line. Domestic and sexual violence survivors have their own confidential shelter network with its own intake, and it often moves faster.

Call to Safety, 888-235-5333, is Oregon's 24/7 crisis line for people of all genders. They track live shelter openings daily and can route you to confidential, trans-inclusive beds.

For the fuller picture, including safety planning, culturally specific programs, and financial help only survivors can get, follow the You're not safe at home path. You do not have to label what is happening to use it.

For single adults in Portland, a few programs are the backbone of the shelter system. 211 can refer you, and some take direct contact.

• Transition Projects runs several of the city's largest shelters plus a downtown Resource Center that is the practical starting point for many people. Call 503-280-4700.
• Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES) is a women's shelter downtown with 24/7 intake, and one of the few you can often walk into. Call 503-231-7480.
• Coordinated Housing Access Team (CHAT), 844-765-9384, is the front door for single adults into longer-term supportive housing. One assessment connects you to many programs, so start it early because the wait is real.

🏳️‍⚧️ You have the right to be sheltered in line with your gender identity. If a shelter misgenders you or turns you away, that is worth reporting, and Call to Safety or a WERQ peer can help you find a safer option.

If you are a young person, youth programs are usually safer, lower-barrier, and more trans-affirming than adult shelters.

• Janus Youth Programs runs shelter and outreach for homeless youth across the metro.
• New Avenues for Youth offers day services, housing referrals, and LGBTQIA2S+ support for young people. Call 503-465-1750.
• Outside In serves youth 16 to 24 with drop-in services and housing help.

Ask specifically for LGBTQ+ affirming placement. You are allowed to say that it matters to you.

If there is no bed the moment you call, you still have places to go during the day and evening to stay warm, eat, use a bathroom, and regroup.

• Rose Haven is a day shelter for women, children, and gender-nonconforming folks, with meals, hygiene, and advocacy.
• Blanchet House serves free meals daily in Old Town, no questions asked.
• Sisters of the Road offers low-cost meals in a dignified, welcoming space.

In dangerous heat or cold, the county opens severe weather shelters. Call 211 or check multco.us to find one. If you can, keep your ID, medications, phone and charger, and any important documents on you.

The Surviving on the street in Portland path has the full map of showers, laundry, storage, and mail.

Shelter intake is county by county, so use the one where you are.

• Washington County: call Community Connect at 503-640-3263, the coordinated entry line for shelter and housing.
• East Multnomah and Gresham: Our Just Future (formerly Human Solutions) runs family shelter and housing services. Call 503-548-0200.
• Clackamas County: Ann's Heart operates a warming and day space in Milwaukie, and 211 can connect you to Clackamas coordinated shelter.

Wherever you are, 211 can route you to the right county's system if you are not sure who to call.